There’s a fresh, new open-air dance party coming to Melbourne next month
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23.01.2025

There’s a fresh, new open-air dance party coming to Melbourne next month

Daybreak Festival 2024
Words by Staff Writer

First Nations collectives are bringing fresh energy to Melbourne's dance scene with Sugarbush on February 23.

In a game-changing move for Melbourne’s dance scene, First Nations collectives Tjum Tjumba and Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc are dropping what might be summer’s most promising new party.

Sugarbush, hitting Abbotsford Convent’s Store Forecourt on February 23, is set to deliver a potent mix of underground sounds and cultural celebration.

Sugarbush

  • Run by First Nations collectives Tjum Tjumba and Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc
  • Abbotsford Convent’s Store Forecourt on February 23

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While Melbourne’s no stranger to outdoor dance events, Sugarbush stands apart through its dedication to platforming emerging First Nations talent. The nine-act lineup reads like a who’s who of tomorrow’s dance music heavyweights, with Brothers, Pvrtal, and Fosters leading the charge alongside boundary-pushers like ChunKy and Lady Koq.

But Sugarbush isn’t just about the music. The Abbotsford Convent backdrop sets the stage for a cultural celebration that goes deeper than your average dance party. With immersive art installations planned and a strong focus on community connection, it’s shaping up as a proper celebration of First Nations creativity.

Breaking new ground

 

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The collaboration between Tjum Tjumba and Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc brings serious cultural credentials to the table. Tjum Tjumba’s rep as a tastemaking record label combined with Tongberang’i Ngarrga’s community-first approach – their name literally means born to dance – suggests Sugarbush will deliver substance alongside style.

What sets Sugarbush apart is its commitment to accessibility. While tickets are available through Humanitix, the organisers are walking the walk with complimentary entry for mob, making this more than just another addition to Melbourne’s packed party calendar – it’s a statement about the future of dance music in Australia.

In a scene that often talks big about diversity but delivers small, Sugarbush represents a proper shift. By putting First Nations artists and organisers front and centre, while creating genuine accessibility through considered pricing, it’s showing how dance music culture can evolve beyond empty gestures into meaningful change.

The future is now

Running from 1pm to 11pm, Sugarbush isn’t just another party – it’s a blueprint for what inclusive, community-focused dance events can look like. Whether you’re there for the beats, the culture, or just the vibe, this First Nations-led celebration looks set to raise the bar for Melbourne’s dance scene.

The landmark event marks a significant step forward in recognising and celebrating First Nations contributions to Australia’s electronic music landscape. With its thoughtful curation and community-focused approach, Sugarbush is poised to become a template for future events that prioritise cultural connection alongside cutting-edge sounds.

As Melbourne’s dance scene continues to evolve, events like Sugarbush point the way forward. By centering First Nations voices and creating genuine spaces for community celebration, it’s helping shape a more inclusive and vibrant future for electronic music in Australia.

Get tickets here. Follow Tjum Tjumba on Instagram here.